Phil Ade‘s second project is here, and by the looks of things, it looks like my hometown will be partially responsible for bringing the boom bap back to hip-hop. The first DMV artist with the “CANNON!” drop all over his $#!t. I told you this city was coming up. That’s why I had to come back! It’s a full-length album, with all original production, and presented by OkayPlayer x DJ Booth for FREE!

Featuring Tabi Bonney, Raheem DeVaughn, Skillz, Wale, Raekwon, and more great talent. The tape dropped on Tuesday this week, and since I’m just getting back into the blog game, I’ll let my brother Winston from Couch Sessions give you the word on the project. Here’s my favorite track on the joint, “Paid In Full” as well as a download link.

DOWNLOAD: Phil Ade – The Letterman [Mixtape] [Hosted by DJ Don Cannon]

You may remember how I threw his first joint, Starting on JV, on the blog about a year ago. I didn’t know anything about the guy except that he could rap. Well, much has changed since then. I was fortunate to be around at the studio a couple of times while songs on the tape were being recorded, and I’ve seen him work. I can’t even believe how fast he writes. Just hears the beat, goes into the zone for a few minutes, and walks in the booth to record it. It’s ridiculous.

I’ll say it again. Ridiculous.

Me and Phil got a chance to kick it over at SXSW in Austin, TX, earlier this year (me, him and Dre roomed together in this nice hotel that was way too far from the city. Goodness.) and I can honestly say that he’s one of the most genuine guys I’ve met in this music stuff. Motivational for sure. We arrived to several venues with Phil being the unknown act who was on the bill, and by the time we left, people were singing the hook to “Hollywood” out loud. He made even the most reluctant concert attendee bop, and that’s why I believe his showmanship was among the best I saw all weekend. Keep in mind that I probably saw like 15 shows with hella artists at each one.

(Editor’s Note: We have no idea who that white guy was. Literally no idea. I’m still baffled as to how he bogarted his way into that photo, because normally, in situations like this, Dre would have leaned on him with the quickness. Chip clearly was all for it, though. One of the coolest artists ever. Speaking of which, look out for the concert that DC to BC / The Great Progression will be throwing with Chip Tha Ripper, 7.23.2010 in NYC at Santo’s Play House. Get your tickets NOW! Talk about promo. I see you, Kev!)

The networking that 368 Music Group did over that SXSW weekend was wild. Somehow, me and them finagled our way into mansions that had things going on that you only see in the movies (I see you, Virgil!) and crazy parties (thank you, COMPLEX!). Once I get my stuff together, I’ll drop the video footage I took from that unforgettable week. Shout out to the whole 368 camp for letting me rock with them. I ran into Dre outside Commonwealth two days ago, and he played some stuff for me that led me to believe that they will take over the city pretty soon, as far as hip-hop is concerned.

If you want to know more about Phil, my brother Jabari has it all covered. He linked up with Okayplayer to present “Chasing The Letter,” a three-part series that gets a little deeper into Phil’s story, as far as his path to where he is today and how The Letterman was created. Very well put together! Check all three videos out below (they’re worth it, and not too long either.).

my man jabari is taking his brand to the next level. after establishing himself as the face of HipHopGame TV and one of the trillest journalists out there in the hip hop world, he’s on to his next project: #ArtistAdvice. from the man himself:

“With all the aspiring artists out there today I wanted to create a platform where they could gain valuable advice so some common mistakes made may be eradicated. #AritstAdvice is for anyone to give and receive in hopes to create better artists all around.”

with that being said, listen to the advice that fayetteville, NC recording artist and roc nation signee j. cole has to spread to those up-and-comers, as well as the vets that may need to adjust due to today’s musical climate. oh, and you may just hear a shout out at 1:19. because we are f*cking official. don’t let anybody tell you differently, either. ha, to be honest, i had to bring it back when i heard that, because i didn’t believe it. but yeah, it just happened. good looks, mr. cole. oh, and also, you can see my barber shop in the backdrop of the location, which also happens to be where the commonwealth, the greater good, and stussy stores are located.

shout out to jabari for the great idea, and i expect to see more solid joints like this in the future. wzup to herfection and PMD, too.

PREVIOUSLY: Get On Your J. Cole Game!